A power struggle has erupted in Senegal, leading to the formation of a new government and the exclusion of the ruling Sonko party.
Internal disagreements over managing the economic crisis and debt
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomée announced Fay A new government was formed comprising 30 ministers, in a move that excluded the PASTEF party, which was led by its former ally and ousted Prime Minister, Osman Sonko.
The announcement came during a live television broadcast, less than two weeks after Faye's decision to dismiss Sonko as prime minister, in a development that highlights the widening rift between the two men who together led the country's political change during the recent elections.
mounting financial pressures
The crisis stems from growing disagreements over the management of economic issues, particularly Sonko's rejection of the IMF-backed debt restructuring plan, at a time when Senegal is facing mounting financial pressures.
Tensions also increased after a number of MPs rejected the president’s decision to reinstate Sonko to parliament, before giving him broad support to assume the presidency of the legislative body, which was seen as an indication of Sonko’s continued influence within the parliamentary majority.
Last week, Faye appointed economist Ahmadou Amine Mohamed Lo as the new prime minister, asserting that his expertise would be a crucial factor in addressing the debt crisis burdening the Senegalese economy.
The Pastif party will not participate in the new government.
On Monday, Usman Sonko announced that the PASTEF party would not participate in the new government, citing “fundamental points of disagreement” that emerged during his recent discussions with the president regarding the party’s future and its role within the government.
These developments come at a time when Senegal is facing the repercussions of a severe financial crisis, after the previous government revealed in 2024 the existence of debts that had not been accurately reported, which raised concerns among international financial institutions.
Senegal's debt exceeds 132% of GDP
This led to the suspension of a $1.8 billion financing program by the International Monetary Fund, while the country's total public debt rose to about 132% of GDP by the end of 2024.
Economic and political circles in Senegal are anticipating the resumption of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund during the week beginning June 8, amid hopes of reaching an agreement that will help alleviate financial pressures and restore investor confidence.
